E20 Fuel Fight Intensifies as Kejriwal Alleges Trump Pressure, AAP Announces Nationwide Campaign

The political controversy over E20 petrol intensified on Friday as Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) convenor Arvind Kejriwal alleged that the Centre introduced the ethanol-blending policy under pressure from US President Donald Trump to facilitate imports of American ethanol.

Addressing reporters in Panaji, the former Delhi chief minister claimed the government was imposing E20 fuel without adequately upgrading infrastructure or ensuring that older vehicles were compatible with the higher ethanol blend. He alleged that the policy was designed to create demand for surplus ethanol produced in the United States.

Kejriwal claimed India imported around one billion litres of ethanol from the US last year and could import five billion litres this year. He also questioned the rationale for adopting E20 nationwide, arguing that even the US had not implemented the blend across the country.

The AAP leader criticised the government's preparation for the policy, claiming that petrol pumps, storage tanks and oil tankers had not been sufficiently modified. He further alleged that millions of older vehicles were not designed to operate on E20.

Kejriwal claimed nearly 30 crore vehicles manufactured before 2023, including around 22 crore two-wheelers and eight crore cars, could be affected. He also raised concerns over mileage and fuel costs, alleging that ethanol was more expensive than petrol while providing lower mileage.

He urged consumers to temporarily reconsider purchasing petrol and diesel vehicles, warning that the government could eventually move towards higher blends such as E30 or E40. He also demanded that the Centre release reports of studies and tests conducted before introducing E20.

Meanwhile, AAP announced a nationwide campaign against E20 beginning August 8. Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh said the party would organise town halls and public meetings to hear vehicle owners' concerns and mobilise support against the policy.

The campaign will begin in West Bengal, followed by Gujarat and Haryana, Telangana and Chhattisgarh. Delhi AAP president Saurabh Bharadwaj will coordinate the campaign.

Industry executives, however, have sought to allay concerns, saying E20 has undergone rigorous testing, is safe for compatible vehicles and can help reduce India's dependence on imported crude oil.